Desert Cottontail

(Sylvilagus audubonii)

Desert Cottontails live in the hot deserts of the southwestern United States. One adaptation for coping with the intense heat is a pair of large ears. In this photo you can clearly see the network of large blood vessels just below the skin which are excellent for radiating body heat, just like the radiator in your car!

During the hottest part of the day, the Desert Cottontail will hide in the shade, then resume activity in the late evening or night.

Photographed in Red Fleet State Park, Utah. USA.